As China experiences a rise in respiratory infections this winter, one little-known virus has gotten a lot of attention – and some people may worry whether the rise in cases could be felt more broadly around the world.

Cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other seasonal viruses are on the rise across the northern hemisphere in early 2025, according to the World Health Organization. While news reports and social media videos have caused concern about a potential HMPV outbreak in China,

Rising cases of common respiratory illnesses in China and elsewhere around the Northern Hemisphere are within the range expected for winter, with no unusual outbreaks reported, the World Health Organization said.

As China continues to monitor an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), here's what you need to know about the illness.

WHO said, ‘Human metapneumovirus, hMPV is not a new virus’, adding that it generally spreads in winter and spring.

China has responded after the World Health Organization ( WHO) again urged it to disclose data that could shed more light on the origins of COVID-19, which killed over 7 million people worldwide. Newsweek reached out to the WHO by email with a request for comment.

The posts are mostly false. Chinese authorities have reported an increase in some respiratory infections, but the increases are in line with seasonal trends and no state of emergency has been declared.

Does anyone at the World Health Organization understand that China doesn't want to help anyone investigate COVID-19 or do anything else?

China continues withholding data, information and access.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it has not observed any unusual outbreak patterns in China as the reported number of acute respiratory infections there is still within the expected range for the winter season.

Rising cases of common respiratory illnesses in China and elsewhere around the Northern Hemisphere are within the range expected for winter, with no unusual outbreaks reported.